The Open Era by Edward Schmit

 

Love evens the score between two tennis players in this stunning debut romance.

Recently-turned-pro tennis player Austin Hardy has been out since high school and it's never been a big deal. That is, until he becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam. Suddenly, being gay is a huge deal, with headlines to prove it.

Unprepared for this new spotlight, Austin’s anxiety disorder hits a breaking point, and he trips and falls at practice. Right next to the very attractive, very talented, and probably straight Diego Cruz, ranked World #2.

The two players start a friendship off the court. But between their flirty banter, mixed signals, and brewing rivalry, Austin is thrown further off his game by Diego.

With the eyes of the world on Austin, the weight of history on his shoulders, and Diego across the net — he must decide if love means nothing or if love means everything as he battles for the trophy during an electric two weeks at the US Open.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240118875-the-open-era

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Austin is new to the pro tennis player life. And on top of that, he becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam. All eyes are on him. And the pressure is more than he can truly handle. Especially when he suffers from anxiety. He tested at every turn at a time he needs to remain focused. So naturally it’s time to meet a guy. Or more like fall in front of one and him come to Austin’s rescue. And oh, did I mention he’s ranked number 2 in the world and will have to play Austin if they both make it far enough? Talk about complicated! Watching these two become friends and possibly more during a time where their focus must be on their sport, is quite something! I really enjoyed getting to know Austin as he fought tooth and nail for his dreams but also getting the help he needs to manage his anxiety. It’s not an easy journey, but you’ll root for Austin the whole way through. A great story overall! 

Well Met Series Book 5: Well Versed by Jen DeLuca

 

Well Met Series Book 5

It’s a second chance at first love at the Renaissance Faire, where the search for a new queen shapes a destiny, from USA Today bestselling author Jen DeLuca.

Caitlin Parker was a teenager when she fell out of love with the magic of the Willow Creek Renaissance Faire—the site of her first real heartbreak. But now, twenty-four and unemployed, she finds herself in her childhood bedroom and her childhood lady-in-waiting costume, assisting a rotating cast of substitute queens for the season. The very last person she wants to see is Alexander Wright—the sword-fighting, Shakespeare-spouting young man who won and broke her teenage heart. Yet there he is, older, annoyingly hotter, and back on stage at her Faire.

When Alex broke things off with Caitlin five years ago, he thought he was just ending a summer fling. He didn't realize how much he’d fallen for her until he let her go, and he certainly didn't know he’d tarnished her memories of her cherished Faire and worse, shattered her view on love and relationships. His need to right that wrong this summer brings them together again and again, and the four-year age difference that kept them apart years ago isn’t a big deal now. This time, it won’t be so easy to let go of this summer fling.

But as summer winds down, real life is catching up to both of them. Caitlin’s always thought that being an adult with adult responsibilities means leaving whimsy behind. Alex, with a life full of stage combat, songs, and sonnets, doesn’t know how to live any other way. Can they go after their dreams and find a future together where they can still say “huzzah”?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245670690-well-versed

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I have always adored this series and I was so glad to hear we were getting one more and that it was Caitlin’s! We get a grown up Caitlin who has been through some heartache and is currently struggling with adult life. For one, she has moved back home after being laid off and is struggling to figure out what to do next. And two, Caitlin’s love for the Faire has died after some massive heartbreak when she was eighteen. Falling in love at the Faire wasn’t a good idea. The magic she felt for the place isn’t the same. But yet she finds herself dragged back to the Faire thanks to her family to help them out. There, she never expects to run into him. Alex. The one who broke her heart those years ago. And in turn, looks like he broke his own heart. Not realizing just how hard he fell for Caitlin before ending it. Maybe they were young and dumb, but that doesn’t mean the hurt isn’t there. Caitlin does her best to stay away, but she is reminded over and over again the reason she fell for Alex so hard the first time. And now when he is determined to bring back her love of the Faire and to show her that he has changed as well? Well, you’ll have to see how long it takes for the walls around Caitlin’s heart to break down. Coming back to Willow Creek and the Ren Faire and just all these beloved characters is such a treat! I loved being back in this world. I loved the story. I loved getting to know a grown up Caitlin and meeting Alex. These two were truly great for one another, even if it took them a bit to figure out how to be with one another. If you loved this series, you definitely don’t want to miss this!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wood Hollow Stories Book 2: Sweet Something by Lane Hayes

 

Wood Hollow Stories Book 2

The baker, the grumpy lumberjack, and a new dad journey…

Dexter

The donut business is booming in Wood Hollow, along with my flag-football program. Now I’m ready to take on a new challenge—parenthood. See, I’ve always wanted to be a dad and it’s finally happening. Wood Hollow is the perfect place to raise a child. It’s quiet, safe, and the folks here are friendly.

One glaring exception is the grumpy lumberjack…who ends up being besties with my surrogate. What are the odds?

Yeah…this will be interesting.

Viggo

I’m a logger. I like wood. That’s it. Maybe that makes me a solitary person, but so what?

Unfortunately, I can’t ignore the handsome donut man’s new dad-to-be situation. Not when it concerns an old family friend.

Look, I don’t want to be involved, but I have no choice. And if that means I’ll have to step outside of my comfort zone and do people-y things to make sure Dexter is a going to be a good dad, so be it.

It doesn’t mean I like Dexter. He’s accidentally funny, kind of sweet, very hot, and—

Okay, fine.

Maybe I like him too much.

Sweet Something is an MM bisexual, grumpy/sunshine, small-town romance featuring Wood Hollow’s hottest baker and the grumpy lumberjack with a big heart.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251579992-sweet-something

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

After a bad concussion years ago that changed his course in life, Dexter has made a very great life for himself in Wood Hollow. And now he is ready for the next stage: parenthood. He always wanted to be a father and it looks like he will have to do it on his own. He finds an agency and the perfect surrogate and when she tells him she is pregnant, he is over the moon. Until he realizes that her best friend lives in Wood Hollow. The last thing Dexter wants is the small town to know he is going to be a dad. He isn’t ready for everyone one to find out. So who is Viggo? Dexter does a little digging and turns out Viggo is a logger. Quiet, big, and perhaps a little grumpy. And while Viggo can’t seem to figure out at first why Dexter is appearing everywhere, it doesn’t take him too long to learn the truth. Now we have two protective men determined to make sure the pregnancy goes well and get to know one another for the sake of their now mutual friend. But the attraction between them has been brewing quietly and it’s only a matter of time until they give in. Love was never supposed to be on the table, but as the months go by and they learn more about one another and prepare the baby, well, maybe their futures can be even better. These two were so fun! I loved their grumpy and sunshine vibes. I loved how protective and sweet Viggo secretly was. They had such wonderful banter and chemistry. I loved watching them fall hard for one another. Both deserve so much happiness and it was sweet to see them finally go for it. Another great story in this series! And I cannot wait for the next one! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Burn It Down by Nicole Dykes

Kade

I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter, and I never thought I would become a father, but it turns out—I’m both.

And while being a firefighter was the only career I ever wanted—being a father has become my greatest destiny in this world.

Now I need to do everything I can to protect my son, even if that means going back to my hometown. I won’t let my son down, no matter what, and I will do my duty as a fireman.

Hopefully, I can do it without everything else burning down around me.

Spencer

I never expected to see Kade again—my high school crush and my biggest heartache in adolescence.

I’m not the same person I once was. I’m stronger now. I won’t allow myself to be invisible.

I love being a teacher, and nothing will stop me from being the best one I can be. But Kade coming back into town with his adorable young son in tow—makes it a challenge.

All I can hope is to get through this school year without going back to that unsure, terrified kid.

I have to remember who I am—and when that fear comes back, threatening my newfound confidence—I hope I’ll find the courage to burn it down to the ground and come back stronger than ever.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232658964-burn-it-down

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Kade is a great firefighter, but that doesn’t make him invincible. And when he ends up in the hospital and truly scaring his six-year-old son, he knows he has to make a change. He moves them back to his hometown to work at their fire station. The jobs will be significantly less risky in a small town and him and his son can stay with Kade’s brother. It’s a fresh start in a lot of ways and he never expects falling in love. Spencer never expected to see his high school crush again. High school may have been a terrible time for Spencer, but that didn’t stop him from wishing for Kade to notice him and maybe even saving him from the bullies who were supposedly Kade’s friend. Now Kade is back and with his young son. A son Spencer will have in his class. And while things may start off rocky between them due to Spencer holding on to the past a bit, the connection between them is undeniable. Building bit by bit until neither can resist. And it may just be the best thing for them. Really enjoyed this story! Kade is a great father and is always putting his son first. He deserves to find someone who loves him and his son. And Spencer is definitely that guy. And Spencer has been through so much as well and deserves a great guy. A great story all around and there is definitely some characters I am hoping to get their own books. So I’ll have to wait and see!

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish.

Except that right now, he doesn’t know that. He can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it.

All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time. And he’s just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company.

His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery—and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.

And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he’s got to do it all alone.

Or does he?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54493401-project-hail-mary

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

So I watched the movie the other day…and loved it so much I had to pick up the book. And the book did not disappoint! First, the movie was a great adaptation, in my opinion. It kept to the book super well. And the book itself was great! Details you wanted to know or didn’t realize you may have missed were in here. It was overall a great story! So, the story begins with Grace waking up on a spaceship, having to memory of how he ended up there. Throughout the story, bit by bit, his memories are returning and with in the reason he is in space and the problem Earth is facing. And what should have been a three person mission, is just one when Grace realizes his crew members didn’t survive. Alone in space, having to solve a major Earth crisis…it’s a lot. But lucky for him he isn’t alone for too long. Because he isn’t the only one in the universe with an Astrophage problem. I really enjoyed the story all around. The science fiction portion was an interesting thing for Grace to solve, the alien, Rocky, he meets is great too. I loved their friendship. I loved their banter. Grace was also a super hilarious point of view character. Likable and relatable in so many ways. You were rooting for him the whole way through and you were definitely laughing along with him too. This was a fun and interesting story all around of two unlikely heroes and friends trying to do the impossible. And if you liked the movie, you will definitely like the book and vice versa!

Win You Over by CS Autumn

 

𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧

My life changed when my father died, and in the time since, I’ve learned to accept that my voice will never be the same. There are years and a literal ocean between the boy I was and the man I am now.

Scholarship student.

Loyal best friend.

Talented fighter.

The only thorn in my side is Remington Langford. Cocky, popular, far too handsome for his own good, and insistent on calling me his friend.

When a lost bet turns into a trip to Italy as his fake boyfriend, we grow closer than we ever intended, and it’s not long before the lines between what’s for show and what’s not blur.

Something not everyone is happy about.

𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧

Holden Booker is a mystery—quiet, strong, guarded, and seemingly immune to my charm.

Not only do I want to know 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 about him, but I need to show him he can trust me.

I don’t intend to fall in love with him. I don’t even do relationships, but he’s everything I never knew I was looking for.

Faking our relationship is impossible when everything we feel is so 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭.

Enough to have someone I trust out to destroy us, breaking my heart along the way.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236014075-win-you-over

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Holden has had plenty of trauma in his life and a big result is his selective mutism. It’s hard for him to speak, even when he really wants to. But he promised himself that he would never be weak again. Leading him to fight for money at his college. There he meets, Remi. The popular boy who everyone seems to love and Holden can’t help but not like him. That is, until they are forced to work together on a school project. Holden gets to see the real Remi and he isn’t like the ones Remi surrounds himself with. Could Remi actually be different than what Holden originally assumed? Well, Holden is about to find out considering he somehow agreed (or lost a bet) to be Remi’s fake boyfriend to Remi’s sister’s wedding in Italy. The moment Remi noticed Holden, he was hooked. He wanted to know about this mysterious and quiet guy, but too bad Holden was unaffected by Remi’s charm. But Remi won’t give up. He knows there is something special about Holden and he just wants to have a chance to find out. To explore this thing he feels between them. Remi may never have wanted a real relationship before either, but being with Holden?  Well, that’s a game changer. Loved these two! This was a great story all around. I loved getting to know Holden and Remi and watch them fall in love. Holden has a lot of trust issues and for good reason, and it was so great to see him let his walls down bit by bit and trust his gut that Remi may just be a safe place. And being with Holden really let Remi grow as a person. They were just really cute together! Great story! 

Ice Cold Kisses by Saxon James

 

What happens at hockey camp, says at hockey camp.

At least that's the motto Thurston wants to live by when he volunteers over the off-season at the camp he used to attend. The one where his hot older crush still works. All he wants is to catch Lyle's eye, to get some interest from the closed-off man—I mean, he's a professional athlete now, dammit.

Will summer lead to Ice Cold Kisses or getting the cold shoulder once again?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/250588939-ice-cold-kisses

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

A cute short story that follows hockey player, Thurston, volunteering at hockey camp. Where he sees Lyle again, the guy he had a crush on a few years earlier. And turns out, these two have some unfinished business. Super short, I really wish there was more to it! But I love the ice hockey world that Saxon writes in so any story is one I’m going to enjoy. Two chapters that are short and sweet and to the point. Promising an interesting future between Thurston and Lyle.